(INDIANAPOLIS) - A new Indiana animal welfare law is now in effect, changing what Hoosiers can legally do if they see an animal trapped in a hot vehicle.
House Bill 1165 removes civil and criminal liability for people who forcibly enter a vehicle to rescue a domestic animal believed to be in imminent danger.
To receive that protection under the law, a person must:
Make sure the vehicle is locked
Call 911 or contact authorities before entering
Reasonably believe the animal is in imminent danger
Use only the force necessary to enter the vehicle
Remain with the animal until help arrives
The hot-car provision is only one part of House Bill 1165.
The bill also expands animal cruelty definitions, increases some penalties for animal abuse and neglect and gives prosecutors additional options in severe cases.
State Representative Wendy McNamara, who authored the bill, called it one of the biggest and most comprehensive animal cruelty bills Indiana has seen.
With more hot weather ahead, pet owners are urged to avoid leaving animals in vehicles altogether and limit outdoor exposure during extreme temperatures. Pets should have access to shade and fresh water, and owners should avoid walking dogs on hot pavement during the warmest parts of the day.